New service targets vulnerable people in Humberside

Vulnerable people across Humberside who find themselves in the criminal justice system will get direct help and support from April 1, 2019.

A partnership between Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH) and Community Links has been awarded a 6 year, million pound contract by NHS England to deliver Liaison and Diversion (L&D) Services in Humberside. The new service will create a seamless link with the police custody healthcare services that LCH already delivers in the area.

Staff from the L&D Service will work alongside police custody teams, courts and the criminal justice system to identify people with mental health issues, a learning disability or substance misuse when they become suspects or are arrested for, or charged with, a crime. Both adults and young people will be referred to sources of help and support to improve their health and wellbeing in an effort to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour and re-offending.

Catherine Hall, Head of Health and Justice from Leeds Community Healthcare said:

“It is widely recognised that far too many vulnerable people end up in the criminal justice system. We’re proud to be working in partnership with Community Links to identify the help and support these people’s needs. The Liaison and Diversion Service will identify vulnerable people as soon as they come into contact with the criminal justice system and will work with them for up to 12 weeks to tackle underlying issues which might be at the root of their criminal or antisocial behaviour. It will also reduce the likelihood of these people reaching a crisis point.”

Ruth Kettle, CEO of Community Links, commented:

“Community Links are delighted to be working in partnership with Leeds Community Healthcare on this new Liaison & Diversion service in Humberside. It provides us with the opportunity to support the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of people across the region and is a great example of partnership working which identifies and reaches some of the most vulnerable people in society.”